Artisanal Miner On The Run After Killing Wife With Hammer

Police in Gweru have launched a manhunt for a 37-year-old artisanal miner from Shurugwi, accused of brutally killing his wife with a hammer in the Mkoba 4 suburb.

Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi (37), also known as Khaye, is currently on the run after allegedly murdering his wife, Patricia Nyathi.

Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Midlands Province, said the couple had been living together in Mkoba 4 since December 2025, but their relationship reportedly turned violent, culminating in the fatal incident. He said:

“Zimbabwe Republic Police in Midlands is appealing for assistance from the public to locate and arrest a murder suspect, Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi, also known as Khaye (37) of Mkonto Village, Chief Ntabeni in Zhombe. He is known to be an artisanal miner, based in Shurugwi.”

Inspector Mahoko confirmed that Baloyi is on the police wanted list over the alleged murder of his wife. He said:

“The offence occurred on March 2, around 3 am in Mkoba 4 Suburb, Gweru. The now deceased Patricia Nyathi (32) and Baloyi had been staying together in Mkoba 4 since December 2025.”

Inspector Mahoko said that on 2 March, at around 3 AM, Nyathi was outside the house doing her laundry when Nhlalo followed her and began accusing her of infidelity, leading to an argument.

He allegedly went inside the house and grabbed a vehicle shock absorber.

The deceased’s 13-year-old daughter, Sibothabo Sibanda, sensing danger, tried to stop him from attacking her mother.

Inspector Mahoko said Nhlalo then went back into the house, took a hammer, and struck his wife several times on the head. He added:

“Nyathi fell and died. After the act, Nhlalo ran away, and his whereabouts are currently not known.

“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information on the whereabouts of Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi to report at any police station or make use of our ZRP WhatsApp platform 0712800197.”